A Reddit user recently sparked an online debate after sharing how living abroad made them feel more connected to their Indian roots. The user, who has been residing in Paris for three years, claimed they never appreciated their Indian identity as much as they do now. Sharing their experience on Reddit's Non-Resident Indians (NRI) community, they described how moving away from India changed their perspective on culture, food, and music. The Reddit user explained that while living in India, they rarely thought about their cultural roots. Since relocating, however, they now feel a stronger sense of belonging to their Indian heritage. The user admitted that they once took Indian cuisine and music for granted, but being in a foreign country has given them a newfound appreciation for these cultural elements. They now frequently explain Indian food to others, often emphasizing that "not everything is curry."
 

The user described how Indian food, with its rich spices and layered flavors, feels far superior to the simpler cuisines they have encountered in Paris. They emphasized that the experience of enjoying Indian food is not just about taste but the cultural connection it provides. Despite trying various international cuisines, they claimed that nothing could match the satisfaction of authentic Indian dishes. In addition to food, the user spoke about their surprising newfound love for Punjabi music. They shared that although they never listened to Punjabi songs while living in India, they now find themselves deeply drawn to the genre. The music evokes strong feelings of nostalgia and connection to their roots, something they hadn’t experienced before leaving India. The user believes this newfound interest reflects their subconscious desire to reconnect with aspects of Indian culture they previously overlooked.
 

The Reddit user ended their post by asking fellow NRIs if they shared similar feelings. They questioned whether moving abroad had strengthened or weakened their connection to India and invited others to share their experiences. The post quickly went viral, drawing a wide range of responses. While some users related to the sentiment, others felt differently. One user commented that while living abroad, they missed their family more than cultural aspects like festivals or traditions. They explained that their growing appreciation for cultural celebrations like Diwali and Holi only emerged after seeing how enthusiastically other NRIs celebrated them overseas. Another user had the opposite perspective, claiming that living abroad made them feel more frustrated with India’s social and civic issues. They acknowledged their love for India but expressed disappointment that the country still struggles with challenges such as poor infrastructure, lack of civic sense, and inadequate public services. This user mentioned their routine visits to India for voting, showing their commitment to the country despite their frustrations.
 

In another comment, a user pointed out how their move abroad highlighted the shortcomings they felt India faced. They criticized India’s focus on religion over scientific progress, claiming that many talented Indians seek opportunities overseas due to better facilities and opportunities abroad. The user humorously added that IIT graduates often end up contributing to global tech hubs like Silicon Valley, questioning why India struggles to retain top talent. The Reddit post's responses demonstrated a clear divide in opinion. Some agreed that distance strengthened their emotional bond with India, while others argued that moving abroad exposed India's flaws. For many, the experience highlighted the contrast between India's rich cultural heritage and its ongoing challenges in infrastructure and social order. While perspectives varied, one common theme emerged — living abroad often prompts reflection on identity, heritage, and the meaning of home. For some NRIs, this reflection deepens their sense of cultural pride, while for others, it highlights frustrations with India's social and economic progress. Regardless of the stance, the post revealed that time spent away from one’s homeland can significantly shape how individuals perceive their identity and cultural ties.